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Home › Guides · Checked Nov 15, 2026

Michigan power outage checklist (DTE and Consumers)

The short answer

report it, stay 20+ ft from downed wires, run any generator outside 20+ ft from the house, and check your CO alarms.

20 ft

1. Report it

  • DTE: Online Outage Center, or (800) 477-4747 and press 2 (DTE). DTE says never assume they know your power is out (DTE outage FAQ).
  • Consumers Energy: online, or 800-477-5050 (Consumers).

2. Downed wires

  • DTE: stay at least 20 feet away, and call (800) 477-4747 (DTE).
  • Consumers: stay at least 25 feet away, call 911, then 800-477-5050 (Consumers).

3. Gas smell

Leave first. DTE: call 911, then (800) 947-5000 (DTE). Consumers: 911, then 800-477-5050 (Consumers).

More detail

4. Generator safety

  • Outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, exhaust pointed away. Never in a garage, basement, shed, porch or carport, even with doors open.
  • Battery or battery-backup CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test monthly.
  • Clear snow from furnace and other outside vents. (CPSC)

5. Hook up (meter plug or inlet)

  1. Turn off the big breakers: AC, dryer, range, water heater, EV charger.
  2. Roll the generator out: 20 feet from the house, exhaust away.
  3. Start it and let it warm up 2–3 minutes.
  4. Plug the cord into the generator first, then the meter plug or inlet.
  5. Turn circuits on one at a time: furnace, sump, fridge, then the rest.
  6. Power back? Loads off, unplug the cord, then stop the generator.

6. Stay warm

Don’t use a gas stove for heat. Find a warming center by calling 2-1-1 (Consumers).

No generator yet? the quiz (under 2 minutes) shows the safe setup and what it costs.

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FAQ

How do I report a DTE power outage?

Use DTE’s online Outage Center or call (800) 477-4747 and press 2.

How far should a generator be from my house?

At least 20 feet, with the exhaust pointed away from the home, per the CPSC.

How far should I stay from a downed power line?

DTE says at least 20 feet; Consumers Energy says at least 25 feet. Call 911 and your utility.

Two rules that save lives

Never run a generator in a garage, porch or near a window. Keep it 20 feet out, exhaust away.

Never backfeed through a dryer outlet. Use the meter hookup, an inlet or a transfer switch.

Sources (checked Nov 15, 2026)